easy finger foods?

[megincl]

DD is definitely ready to try some finger foods, as she seems to enjoy the act of putting things in the mouth to try. Not looking for any major source of nutrition here....just trying it out.

What are good ones to try? How small do they have to be? We have tons of food allergies here, too...mostly to grains.

Any ideas appreciated!

[osker]

Mango, avocado, banana, rice, shredded cheese, couscous, quinoa, barley

Oh, the shredded cheese made me remember that if you have a grater you can grate just about anything and give her shreds, potato, sweet potato, beets, etc.

Of course this all depends on allergies and what you may have already given her... 

I can't believe W is big enough for finger foods already! E will be right behind her! Wow!

[MJB]

Pretty much any fruit, in slices; broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, peas. We don't have any grain issues so we do Os, breads (injera is her favorite), rice. Chicken, turkey, beans, fish. 

You start out with things they can hold in their fist and nom the top-- sweet potato fries are the easiest IMO-- and move on to smaller things like peas and blueberries that require them to open their hand to eat them. My 6 mo. old gets about 25% of small things into her mouth and the other 75% on the floor but is improving rapidly. 

[megincl]

Shredding! Such a great idea.

And I know....how super-fast these girls are growing up!

Originally Posted by osker 
 

Mango, avocado, banana, rice, shredded cheese, couscous, quinoa, barley

Oh, the shredded cheese made me remember that if you have a grater you can grate just about anything and give her shreds, potato, sweet potato, beets, etc.

Of course this all depends on allergies and what you may have already given her... 

I can't believe W is big enough for finger foods already! E will be right behind her! Wow!

[Knitting Mama]

Chunks of fruit with peel on, soft-cooked veggies, beans (slightly mashed), rice pasta if that is doable, slow-cooked meats.

[newmamalizzy]

In addition to these, we've done well with baked apples and pears cut into either slices or small chunks depending on the stage.  (I just core the fruit and wrap it in tin foil, bake at 375 for about 30 minutes. )

[staceychev]

I agree with all the suggestions and just want to add one more: if you're willing to deal with a mess, a baby can be very happy with a bowl of mashed sweet potatoes or yams! Our DD loves sticking her hands into that. What a great way to explore texture!

[newmamalizzy]

Originally Posted by staceychev 

I agree with all the suggestions and just want to add one more: if you're willing to deal with a mess, a baby can be very happy with a bowl of mashed sweet potatoes or yams! Our DD loves sticking her hands into that. What a great way to explore texture!

Oh yeah!  DD loves doing this with butternut squash.  It's kinda stringy so it's easy for her to grab.